Waimak United FC play for ‘I am Hope’
Waimak United is a community football club and when conversation turned to pre-season friendlies thoughts moved quickly onto how the club could help a worthy cause to help kick off the pre-season schedule.
With plenty of options, club chair Brad Eiffe offered up ‘‘I am Hope’’ which was quickly adopted by the board as charity of choice for a day of football that included Waimak United’s senior men’s game against Timaru based Northern Hearts in what was also to be the inaugural game for the Quigley Shield.
The weather played its part with Kendall Park bathed in sunshine for the day.
It was, however, a busy and early start for general manager Debbie Foord who, together with her team of enthusiastic volunteers, worked diligently to ensure that the day started the way it meant to continue without a hitch.
Formal proceedings commenced at 10.30am with youngsters from the clubs First Kicks, Fun Football and Mini Football ranks enjoying some fun with coach Sam Baker and representatives from his women’s youth development team.
Youngsters from the clubs 13th and 14th TDP teams also enjoyed their time on the turf as they played an exhibition match under the watchful eye of senior player and captain Mitch
Quigley and many other keen supporters on the sideline.
The main event kicked off at 1pm and promised to be an entertaining affair. It did not disappoint. With scores level at full time, penalties were needed to decide who would eventually take home the Quigley Shield.
Successful spot kicks by Danny Loney, Luke Fraser, Tom Sharp, Alex McDowell, Mitch
Quigley and Brad Eiffe as well as two excellent stops by Eiffe in goal, was enough to secure the win and confirm Waimak’s right to retain the shield until they do it all again next season.
When asked about his team’s performance, Eiffe was quick to praise his players: ‘‘The boys have worked during pre-season so the result today was pleasing and bodes well for the season ahead.’’
Foord summed up the day well: ‘‘It was a great day for community football with players young and old all getting involved.
‘‘It was lovely to see so many parents supporting their children from the sidelines too.
‘‘Football aside, the big winner on the day was our nominated charity I am Hope.’’